God's Unexpected Assignments - The Crosswalk Devotional - March 15
God’s Unexpected Assignments
By Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading:
Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”
“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart. - 1 Samuel 9:18-19.
I once heard a speaker state, to a roomful of people who felt like they’d been figuratively “put out to pasture,” that God knew where to find them. We see this throughout Scripture—in the life of David, a shepherd boy seemingly dismissed by his family who God chose and empowered to become a mighty warrior, influential leader, and the author of numerous beautiful and powerful prayers recorded in the Psalms. We see this in a man named Elisha’s story as well. He received his divine call as a prophet while faithfully plowing his father’s field.
However, my favorite “called in the monotony of life” story comes from 1 Samuel 9-10 because it reminds me of the importance of perseverance and steadfast faithfulness.
Here’s the historical backdrop. After living for centuries under the leadership of God-ordained judges, His people demanded the Lord give them a king. Although He warned them of the danger of giving one person such power, the people persisted. And so, the Lord told Samuel, the most prominent prophet at that time and Israel’s last “judge,” to “Listen to them and give them a king” (1 Samuel 8:22, NIV).
Meanwhile, Saul’s father, a prominent and wealthy man, lost some of his donkeys and sent his son, and a servant, to search for them. I wonder how I might’ve responded in that situation. Would I have pushed my dad to send the servant without me? I doubt I would’ve been pleased with the assignment, especially when, according to some scholars, it dragged into a fruitless 3-day, 25-mile trek. I’m assuming they traveled on foot.
At this point, Saul wanted to give up and return home. He said to the servant, “Come, let’s go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us” (1 Samuel 9:5, NIV). He’s like, this is a waste of time.”
Have you ever felt that way? Have you landed in seasons where you felt like you were putting in the figurative miles without really getting anywhere? In our frustration, we might begin to feel as if God’s forgotten about us or doesn’t truly have a call on our lives.
I’ve been there. I was reminded of this the other day while going through old journals. I happened upon a page filled with intense questions and doubts. My soul longed for me to live out my divine purpose, but my circumstances made me feel as if I had none.
If you can relate, I hope God encourages you through Saul’s story. Although he wanted to give up and turn back, his servant convinced him to press on a little longer. He said, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take” (1 Samuel 9:6, NIV).
Saul conceded, and together they continued until they encountered Samuel. They thought they were on a tedious search for donkeys. In reality, the Lord used those lost donkeys, and Saul’s search, to lead him to his calling.
1 Samuel 10:1-2 states, “Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance? When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel’s tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, “The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, ‘What shall I do about my son?’”’” (NIV).
Intersecting Life & Faith:
God probably won’t ask us to lead a nation, but He does invite us to positively impact our families, coworkers, and those in our social spheres. As we trudge through each day, we might feel as if we’re aimlessly searching for donkeys. But Scripture assures us that God has a plan and glorious assignments for us in every season.
Sometimes this is as simple as sitting with a hurting neighbor, remaining present during dinner, or showing grace to that “annoying” coworker. Other times, the Lord might invite us to launch a ministry, lead a Bible study, accept a church staff position, or start a small business. May we live with anticipation, expecting divine opportunities to impact our world for good.
Photo Credit: Convertkit/Unsplash
Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLou
She’s passionate about helping people experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube.
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